No age limit, Haj quota back to normal - Saudi Haj and Umrah minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of overseas pilgrims was announced once more - as it was previously done before the COVID-19 pandemic - without age restrictions.

This matter was announced by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah early this morning (local time) at the opening ceremony of 'Hajj Expo 2023' conference and exhibition which will last until 12 January.

Al-Rabiah said this would enable two million Muslims from outside Saudi Arabia and about 200,000 domestic Muslims to perform the Haj easily and conveniently.

"I want to announce a piece of good news. (Regarding) The number of pilgrims... since the outbreak of the pandemic in 1441 Hijrah (2020), Saudi Arabia has imposed certain number and age restrictions to perform the Haj," he said.

Al-Rabiah added: "In the season of 1444 Hijrah (this year), it will return as it was before the pandemic, without any age restrictions."

The total number of pilgrims in the 1443 (2022) Haj season reached 899,353 pilgrims - including 779,919 international pilgrims - out of a total of one million pilgrims allowed.

For the 1442 (2021) Haj season, the number of pilgrims was restricted to 60,000 people due to strict health control measures as a result of the pandemic.

The 1441 (2020) Haj season also saw a drastic decrease when only 10,000 domestic pilgrims were allowed to perform the Haj compared to 2.5 million the previous season (1440 or 2019).

The 'Haj Expo 2023', organised by Saudi's Ministry of Haj and Umrah from Jan 9-12, 2023, is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to build an ecosystem of innovative services and solutions in providing better services to pilgrims while enhancing their religious and cultural experiences.

-- BERNAMA